Milestones in Vancouver’s Planning and Development History

Under the direction of adjunct professor and former Commissioner (2002-2006) Marta Farevaag, students will engage in research with primary and secondary sources and have the experience of working with external advisors with distinguished professional experience in their fields.

Background

The Commission has partnered with UBC SALA to develop this course, which will provide an introduction to historical research and analysis within the framework of a practical research assignment. In addition to acquiring basic research and data management skills, students will have the experience of working with external professionals, and of applying research to the development of an information tool for public use and benefit. Learning about a city requires an appreciation of the web of events, decisions and interactions that have been significant in shaping that city as a unique urban settlement.

This collaboration with UBC SALA has grown out of a 2014 Commission initiative to substantially improve existing lists of significant events in the history of planning and development in the city with a chronology of milestones that is comprehensive, reliable and informative. While there are many excellent histories of Vancouver and numerous useful thematic chronologies, there is not yet a comprehensive chronology of milestones in the planning and development of the city.

The Commission appreciates the assistance of staff at the following City institutions on this initiative: Vancouver Public Library (Special Collections), Vancouver Archives, Vancouver Heritage Commission, Museum of Vancouver.